The British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) are to share in Scottish Government funding to support people in Ukraine.
It was on 24th of February 2022 that Russian forces invaded the independent nation of Ukraine. Tens of thousands have been killed and 8 million Ukrainians have had to flee and seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
This extra Scottish Government funding will go towards providing generators, heaters and blankets to families and essential facilities such as hospitals and shelters. It will also support home repairs for households and communities in Ukraine.
Since the Russian invasion last year, the Scottish Government has provided £4 million in financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance which was allocated as below:
| Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal | £2,000,000 |
| UNICEF | £1,000,000 |
| British Red Cross | £500,000 |
| Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) | £500,000 |
The Scottish Government has also sent five consignments of medical supplies to Poland for onward transport to Ukraine, totalling 156 pallets worth almost £3 million.
The Scottish Government has provided £300,000 to Dumfries based international NGO, The HALO Trust, to support their work in clearing unexploded ordnance in areas around Kyiv that were liberated from Russian control.
The further £1 million funding will be allocated as below:
| British Red Cross | £375,000 |
| Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) | £375,000 |
| Christian Aid | £250,000 |
On 22 September 2022, the Scottish Government introduced a new fund with up to £50 million to bring void local authority and Registered Social Landlord properties into use and to increase available housing supply.
On 28 November 2022, the Scottish Government launched a new campaign for hosts for displaced people from Ukraine.
The International Development Minister and Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine in the Scottish Government is Neil Gray. He said:
“The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“The organisations we have allocated this further funding to today are key in providing much needed humanitarian aid and support to the people of Ukraine. Over the last year, we have provided financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter for those fleeing Ukraine, as well as medical supplies and funding to support the clear-up operation in Ukraine.
“It will also ensure that the most vulnerable people across Ukraine are living in warm and safe accommodation and that essential facilities will be able to continue working to protect the people they serve. it will also enable families to begin to restore their homes and livelihoods following a challenging winter – helping them to repair damage and improve the food and water supply.
“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine and I want to reiterate our continued support for Ukraine and those who have been displaced.”
Data as received from the Home Office as at 21 February 2023 for each part of the UK
| Location | Sponsor | Number of visa applications | Number of visas issued | Number of arrivals in the UK by sponsor location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Sponsored by individuals | 123,283 | 103,417 | 84,762 |
| Northern Ireland | Sponsored by individuals | 2,628 | 2,054 | 835 |
| Scotland | Sponsored by individuals | 6,652 | 5,550 | 4,431 |
| Sponsored by the Scottish Government | 38,318 | 32,510 | 19,052 | |
| Total | 44,970 | 38,060 | 23,483 | |
| Wales | Sponsored by individuals | 4,902 | 4,179 | 3,408 |
| Sponsored by the Welsh Government | 5,349 | 4,614 | 3,067 | |
| Total | 10,251 | 8,793 | 6,475 |
To find out more about hosting or to apply to be a host visit, mygov.scot/offer-a-home.
Scotland is providing sanctuary to more displaced people per head of population than any other part of the UK. Since the conflict in Ukraine began.
In Orkney there was a huge outpouring of support for the people of Ukraine and many local businesses, organisations and individuals raised money for the millions of refugees created by the war.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has issued an open letter to Ukrainians in Scotland and across the world.
It is with great sadness that the world will mark the first anniversary of Russia’s latest illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Friday.
On this day, we will all pause to reflect on the many impacts of the war on the people of Ukraine. In particular, we will mourn those who have lost their lives.
Every day in Ukraine, lives are disrupted and in danger. There are almost daily reports of atrocities, including Russia’s barbaric missile attacks against civilians.
Our hearts go out to all Ukrainians, including those who have settled here in Scotland and in other countries. I know how much you fear for the safety of loved ones back home, and yearn to return to your own country and way of life.
All of us wish a speedy victory for Ukraine and a resolution which restores peace and ensures Ukrainian sovereignty, democracy, independence and territorial integrity. We also hope that those displaced by the war can return and be reunited with their families, friends, communities and country.
I hope all of you, amidst your anxiety and suffering, have been heartened by the scale of the international humanitarian response since the invasion.
Scotland has so far welcomed more than 23,000 Ukrainians into our communities, the majority of which arrived through our super sponsor scheme. The national response is unprecedented and we have worked closely with partners, local authorities and community groups to offer our Ukrainian friends a ‘Warm Scottish Welcome’.
It is vital that we continue to support displaced people from Ukraine for as long as they need help. While I hope those of you who want to return to Ukraine can do so safely when you can, my message to those seeking sanctuary remains clear: Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.
Slava Ukraini
Fiona Grahame
Categories: Uncategorized
